Keuchel last pitched 40 innings in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, registering a 3.60 ERA and 29/15 K/BB ratio. The 37-year-old had a workout with multiple teams last week and was up to 92 mph on his fastball, which likely means he was sitting closer to 90 mph. He’ll start at Triple-A Omaha and could be insurance for the Royals with Cole Ragans still on the injured list with a groin injury. When Ragans returns, Keuchel would likely be the seventh starter for the Royals with both Kyle Wright and Alec Marsh battling injuries of their own. If Keuchel gets to the big leagues, he would make $2 million prorated.

The news got lost in the shuffle of the trade deadline a couple weeks ago, but Keuchel finally made his NPB debut on Friday evening, allowing two runs over five innings, while sitting only 86-88 mph with his sinker. The 36-year-old veteran is attempting to continue his career overseas in Japan following an underwhelming four-start stint earlier this year with the Brewers.

Keuchel has declined the assignment and become a free agent. The 36-year-old lefty had a 5.40 ERA in four starts for the Brewers before being dropped on Sunday.

Keuchel was ineffective after being acquired from the Mariners in a trade with a 5.40 ERA over his 16 2/3 innings, and he allowed three runs over three frames against the Nationals on Saturday. He’ll hit the waiver wire, and he can either elect free agency or report to Triple-A if he isn’t claimed or traded.